Fortunately, their opponents were weaker. Otherwise, they would have been knocked out in the first round.

Today, they will take on compatriots Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong and both pairs will be seeking to redeem themselves.

Khim Wah admitted that they did not complement each other well, before justifying it by saying they found it hard to adjust to the windy conditions inside the stadium.

“There was a strong wind and we just couldn’t control our shots. They were going haywire. On top of that, the Scottish pair played well and showed some good skill,” said Khim Wah.
“We’ll only get better. This is my second world meet but I believe V Shem is experienced enough to handle himself well. He has played in many tournaments too.

“We are determined to go far here. Malaysia have not won a world title in the men’s doubles and we are motivated to end that agony.”

V Shem admitted that it won’t be easy taming training mates Thien How-Wee Kiong “although we have beaten them in local tournaments”.

“Our standards are almost equal. It can be anyone’s game. We know each other’s game well ... that will make it difficult for both pairs. The good news is that at least one Malaysian pair will be in the third round,” he said.

Independent shuttlers Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari, who did not get a chance to train at the venue after arriving late, also scrapped through their opening match with a 21-14, 13-21, 21-10 win over Americans Phillip Chew-Sattawat Pong­nairat.

The Malaysians will face Russians Vladimir Ivanov-Ivan Sozonov in the second round.